Articles by Mark Warner

How discipline, movement, community, and joy open new pathways for growth Children who live with neurodivergence—ADHD, autism spectrum, sensory processing challenges, anxiety, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and many others—often navigate a world that feels like it was not designed for them. Traditional learning environments may move too fast or too unpredictably. Social [Read More]

Throughout the long arc of Chinese martial arts history, certain names rise from the dust of time and settle into legend—names invoked with reverence, pride, and awe by practitioners across the world. Among the most celebrated of these heroes stands a constellation of warriors known collectively as The Ten Tigers [Read More]

As the seasons turn and the holidays remind us to slow down, I find myself deeply thankful for something that has shaped every corner of my life: my Kung Fu. Not simply the forms, the conditioning, or the sweat earned on wooden floors, but the entire living path that has [Read More]

When the Ming dynasty faced one of the most dangerous threats to its coastal stability, it was not an invading army from the north or a rebellion rising from within. It was a relentless wave of maritime raiders known as the Wokou pirates—a coalition of Japanese swordsmen, ronin, smugglers, warlords, [Read More]

Iron Body, Iron Mind: Robert Downey Jr.’s Martial Arts Journey Through Wing Chun, Recovery, and Reinvention 1600 words Robert Downey Jr. is one of the most recognizable actors on the planet—an icon who helped redefine modern cinema through his charismatic, razor-sharp portrayal of Tony Stark in the Iron Man and [Read More]

The Kwan Dao—also written Guan Dao, Kwan Tou, or Kwan Dao—is one of the most iconic and culturally charged weapons in the Chinese martial tradition. Its sweeping blade, heavy iron ring, long wooden haft, and unmistakable profile make it stand out immediately on any weapons rack. Yet the Kwan Dao [Read More]

  Origins of the Bladed Legacy Among the many Filipino martial systems that have survived the centuries, few carry the battlefield-tested authenticity and brutal practicality of Dekiti Tirsia Siradas Kali (DTSK). Born from the Visayan islands of the Philippines, particularly the island of Negros Occidental, the art traces its roots [Read More]

Martial arts has long been recognized for its physical advantages—strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, coordination, and self-defense skills. Yet the most profound transformation often happens beyond the physical body. Martial arts is a discipline that shapes not only how practitioners move, but how they think, respond, and feel. The emotional and [Read More]

The Battle of Red Cliffs—also called the Battle of Chibi (赤壁之戰)—stands as one of the most iconic and consequential military engagements in Chinese history. Fought during the winter of 208–209 CE, it was a decisive clash between the northern warlord Cao Cao and the allied southern warlords Sun Quan and [Read More]

The era of the Three Kingdoms stands as one of the most dramatic, romanticized, and culturally influential periods in Chinese history. Spanning roughly from the late second century to the late third century CE, this epoch witnessed the fall of the Han Dynasty, the fragmentation of the empire, and the [Read More]

  Introduction In today’s combat sports world, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has become one of the fastest-growing athletic disciplines. With organizations like the UFC showcasing fighters who combine striking, grappling, submissions, and conditioning, the term “mixed” reflects the blending of multiple martial traditions into a single fighting system. However, centuries [Read More]

Among the pantheon of Chinese martial arts weapons, few are as imposing or as steeped in legend as the Kwan Dao, also known as the Guandao. With its massive curved blade mounted on a long wooden shaft, this weapon commands attention both for its formidable design and its association with [Read More]

📘 Overview & Author Credentials John Little is a seasoned martial arts and fitness author, especially renowned for his role as the authorized custodian of Bruce Lee’s archived personal notes and writings. He has edited much of the official Bruce Lee Library (e.g., Tao of Gung Fu, Striking Thoughts) and [Read More]

Introduction Among the legendary weapons of Chinese martial arts, none holds as much reverence, symbolism, or practicality as the staff. Known in Chinese as the “gun” (棍), this seemingly humble length of wood is one of the oldest weapons in the martial arts arsenal and the foundation upon which many [Read More]

Long Blade vs Long baton drill – SD 480p As a Dekit Tirsia Saradas Kali practitioner, we have our own set of drills to increase our martial skills. However, we must realize that each of the Masters who came before and those who are still alive today would have their [Read More]

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has grown exponentially over the past three decades, evolving from a niche sport into a global phenomenon. Its origins, often traced back to events like the early UFC tournaments, showcased a clash of martial arts disciplines, each vying for supremacy. While MMA has matured into its [Read More]

It was a bitterly cold night in the North Pole. The sky was a blanket of stars, shimmering above the snow-covered plains. Inside Santa’s grand workshop, the elves worked tirelessly. Laughter and the whirr of tools echoed through the cavernous halls as gifts were assembled with precision. Then came the [Read More]

  Wing Chun Kung Fu, a traditional Chinese martial art, is renowned for its practicality, efficiency, and elegance. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, its evolution is intertwined with legends, historical milestones, and the lives of those who carried its teachings forward. The following article explores the rich tapestry of Wing Chun [Read More]

  Dekiti Tirsia Siradas is part of the larger Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), community also known as Eskrima, Arnis, or Kali, Dekiti Tirsia Siradas is a centuries-old combat system from Negros Island, Philippines. Rooted in the practical need for survival, it is characterized by its versatility and adaptability. Traditionally practiced [Read More]

Hi All Yup that’s right, some of you know that Martial Journal is part of a larger, whistlekick, is the name, and they also happen to run the #1 martial arts podcast in the world. The great news is we are always looking for guests. Being interviewed on a podcast [Read More]